Africa as a continent is not far maligned as far as innovations are concerned. The indigenous methods used by our forefathers are still been utilized today, although some are modernized. Our local manufacturing craftsmen were stalwarts of brewed smartness and wits transforming bones into cutting edges and woods used for handles of iron among many others.
African agriculture is at its crossroads. Food scarcity is being exacerbated by new threats posed by climate change. However, Africa has numerous opportunities to transform its agriculture and use it as a force for economic growth. The following are some of the ways Africa can adopt to improve the agricultural sector.
GROWING CROPS ALL YEAR ROUND
In order to go all year round to feed the ever-growing population demands, there should be various methods adopted and utilized to make this a success. The use of irrigation systems – The pedal irrigation pump is easy to use. All one has to do is ensure there is a nearby source of water and transmission pipes that connect to the garden or farm. Made with handles, a user climbs atop the pump and pedals it. By pedaling, pressure is applied through the pipe that draws water from a source.
VALUE ADDITION THROUGH PROCESSING
A key component to increasing the economic value of a commodity is value addition. Adding on, this needs help to reduce post-harvest losses, increase foreign exchange, diversify the economic base of rural communities, reduce imports to meet export demands, encourage the growth of subsidiary industries, etc.
ADEQUATE PEST CONTROL STRATEGIES
Even healthy gardens are infiltrated by pests and diseases. It is critical to inspect plants on a regular basis for signs of disease spread or pest damage. A successful disease control program is dependent on crop production, which is closely related to pest management objectives.
MARKET ACCESS AND TRANSPORTATION
Access to a ready market remains a core component of agricultural sustainability. Agriculture benefits most from consistent high urban and international demand. This is best accomplished through an efficient, high-volume transport and marketing system with low transporting and marketing unit costs. The effective demand transferred to the farmer will be reduced if the margin between what the farmer receives from the sale of his produce and what the urban consumer pays for his produce is large. Similarly, if a country’s internal transportation costs are particularly high, the scope for agricultural exports will suffer in comparison to other more efficient countries.
In conclusion, with the combined efforts of governments, non-governmental bodies, stakeholders, businessmen and women, and patriots of our motherland, we can turn the fortunes of our beloved countries into a more prosperous agribusiness climate to provide hope to generations yet to come.
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